The acquisition of Hilton Manufacturing marks a significant expansion of Aldus Group’s Australian manufacturing base.
For Aldus Defence Industry, it brings large-scale metal fabrication and established production capacity alongside Aldus Engineering’s precision capability.
Hilton was founded in 1976 and operates from a 20,000 square metre facility in Dandenong, with a further 4,000 square metres in Brisbane. Its experience lies in engineered metal products and assemblies, particularly repeat production for major vehicle manufacturers. The quality of its work, engineering support and reliable delivery have underpinned the longevity of these customer relationships.
“As a family-owned business, it was important to us that any new owner shared our values and long-term direction,” Managing Director of Hilton Manufacturing, Todd Hartley, said.
“Aldus shares our belief in Australian manufacturing and is prepared to invest in its future. That alignment was there from the beginning. I’m energised by what we can now do as part of a larger industrial group.”
With Hilton now in the group, Aldus can undertake work that draws on both businesses. A precision-machined component may form part of a larger fabricated assembly, with welding, assembly, inspection and production engineering coordinated within one Australian-owned group. EVOK3D, part of the wider Aldus Group, adds specialist 3D printing and additive manufacturing expertise, supporting applications from design concepts through to end-use parts.
Based on the scale of the combined operations, Aldus now considers itself one of Australia’s largest precision manufacturing businesses.
“Defence customers need suppliers that can stay with a program,” Director Corporate Development at Aldus, Anthony Dixon, said.
"We now have the production base and backing to do that. We believe Aldus Defence Industry is a leading contender for Australian defence manufacturing work, and we intend to keep investing as programs develop.”
Aldus Engineering’s precision manufacturing operations span several Melbourne locations, including Heidelberg West and a dedicated medical engineering operation in North Bayswater. More than 60 CNC machines operate across these sites, covering 3, 4 and 5-axis machining, multi-axis turning, mill-turn and wire EDM. Robotic cells and lights-out machining support ongoing production across materials ranging from titanium and Inconel to PEEK and other engineering plastics.
Project delivery is as important as equipment. Manufacturing, inspection and supply requirements can be established at the start, with the people developing the process remaining involved when it moves into production.
Aldus Engineering is ISO 9001 certified and uses coordinate measuring machines, optical comparators and surface-roughness equipment. First Article Inspection Reports and batch records can be prepared where required. Laser-etched QR identification provides a direct link to the material history of individual parts.
This manufacturing depth is relevant across land, maritime and aerospace programs, from tight-tolerance components to welded assemblies or the automation needed to produce them consistently. Aldus can support early manufacturability work and the transition into repeat production.
At a time when many engineering businesses are under pressure, Aldus continues to commit capital to Australian manufacturing. Hilton added facilities, people and fabrication experience that would have taken years to build independently.
Aldus has engaged Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC as strategic adviser to its defence initiative, bringing senior naval, government and defence industry experience. Aldus Defence Industry has joined the Defence Industry Security Program and is working towards AS9100 certification as it prepares for larger, longer-term programs.
Aldus Defence Industry will exhibit at Land Forces 2026 in Perth from 6 to 8 October.
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Aldus Group is an Australian-owned industrial group focused on the long-term growth of manufacturing businesses. It provides the capital and backing to expand operations, develop people and adopt new technology. The Group continues to seek opportunities that strengthen Australian manufacturing and create skilled local jobs.